SCSA puts school riders on track to national
19 000 learners across the country took part in the league in 2019.
Reddam House Bedfordview and Jeppe High School for Boys as part of Schools Cycling South Africa’s (SCSA) recently achieved great results in cycling.
The 17-year-old Matteo Damilano from Reddam House Bedfordview, a second year junior, took gold at the National SA Cup in Mpumalanga on February 15.
Damilano also took gold at the Provincial Cup on February 22 in Pretoria.
He is currently focusing on representing South Africa at the international Cross Country World Cup circuit.
In October 2019, he had four out of four wins at the Gauteng South Spur MTB League in 2019, winning R10 000 for his school.
The money is going towards building a skills course for mountain bike riders at Reddam.
He is also the first learner at his school to receive the prestigious Sportsman of the Year award for cycling.
Damilano also received honours for cycling.
He hopes to have set a good example for the aspiring riders at Reddam House.
Jeppe High School for Boys matric learner Aaron Heyneke finished in fifth place at the first National SA Cup.
This year, he is looking forward to mountain bike season and to achieve great MTB results in his last year of school.
Jeppe has recognised mountain biking as an official extramural sport.
Heyneke was awarded full colours for mountain biking in October 2019, the first recipient of this honour.
He hopes for the opportunity to represent his country at world championships.
SCSA Gauteng South Provincial chairperson Paola Damilano said the objectives of SCSA is to grow and develop school learners’ skills and create many opportunities for learners.
Damilano said the focus this year will be to introduce even more learners to cycling as a school sport and to ensure the sustainability through training of team managers, commissaries and school coaches.
“Learners are not only restricted to riding in schools races.
“As with any sport, regional events pave the way to provincial events, national events and ultimately, international races. Matteo Damilano is one such success story.
“Thanks to Reddam offering cycling as an official school sport, Matteo proudly went on to represent South Africa when he was awarded Protea colours in 2019,” said Damilano.
If you are interested in getting your school involved in cycling and the Spur MTB League, send an email to chairpersongps@schoolscyclingsa.co.za for more information.
